Newly Diagnosed With Metastatic Breast Cancer

A diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer can be devastating. You’re processing a lot of information and dealing with many emotions. You may feel overwhelmed and scared. However, there are many new and ongoing scientific discoveries improving metastatic breast cancer treatment and offering hope to many.

You may have been diagnosed with breast cancer many years ago or perhaps you have only recently completed treatment. For some, this is your first breast cancer diagnosis. No matter the journey, the diagnosis is difficult.

Take some time to process the information from your health care provider. When you’re ready, learn about your treatment options and other parts of your care, such as managing side effects. This may help you feel in control and feel better prepared to face the challenges ahead.

Prognosis

Modern treatments continue to improve survival for most people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. However, survival varies greatly from person to person.

It’s estimated that 34 percent of women diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the U.S. have lived at least 5 years since their diagnosis [1]. Some women may live 10 or more years beyond diagnosis [3].

Treatment

As hard as it is to hear, currently metastatic breast cancer cannot be cured. Unlike breast cancer that remains in the breast or nearby lymph nodes, you cannot get rid of all the cancer that has spread to other organs.

However, this doesn’t mean metastatic breast cancer can’t be treated. Your treatment will focus length and quality of life.

Your personal preferences play a larger role in your treatment and care than with early breast cancer. Talk with your oncologist and other health care providers about your goals and the things that are important to you (avoiding some side effects, for example). This will help your providers tailor your treatments to your preferences.

Talking with your health care provider

You will meet regularly with your oncologist throughout your treatment.

It’s important to feel comfortable talking with your oncologist about your treatment options (and their possible benefits and risks), your quality of life and how you are doing emotionally. Other health care providers, especially your nurses, can discuss these things with you too.

You’re processing a lot of information and dealing with many emotions. You may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what questions to ask your oncologist, nurse or other providers.

If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast cancer, call the Komen Breast Care Helpline at 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636). All calls are answered by a trained specialist or oncology social worker in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PT). You can also email the helpline at helpline@komen.org.

We offer an online support community through our closed Facebook Group – Komen Breast Cancer group. The Facebook group provides a place where those with a connection to breast cancer can discuss each other’s experiences and build strong relationships in order to provide support to each other. Visit Facebook and search for “Komen Breast Cancer group” to request to join the closed group.